VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - September 12, 2016) - Taking place at the Vancouver Convention Centre with over 130 exhibitors and a projected 10,000 attendees, the Lift Cannabis Expo is one of the most anticipated industry events this year -- and the timing couldn't be better.

With full legalization slated for spring 2017, Canada is leading the way in terms of cannabis policy reform. Yet it is evident that both provincial and municipal governments will have significant roles to play in implementing the federal government's impending legalization strategy. Beyond the often acknowledged "BC Bud," British Columbia is home to a number of Health Canada-licensed producers, cannabis clinics, testing labs, countless dispensaries, seed banks, and a long history of cannabis culture and activism, and so it has much to gain (or lose) depending on how legalization unfolds.

Aside from discussion surrounding recreational cannabis, on August 24, 2016, Health Canada overhauled Canada's existing medical cannabis program, once again allowing patients to grow at home. This monumental achievement for patients' rights was won through hard-fought court battles, and now questions remain regarding exactly how it will work in practice.

Speaking to the important timing of the event, Lift is pleased to announce that the Vice-Chair of the federal government's Task Force on Marijuana Legalization and Regulation, Dr. Mark Ware, will present at the expo. Dr. Ware will provide updates on the task force's progress to date as well as take questions from the audience.

Other highlights of the expo include a cannabis startup pitch competition hosted by leading US-based investor network, Arcview (making its first appearance in Canada), as well as live cannabis cooking demos, home-growing tutorials, on-site physician consultations, and a cannabis career fair.

"Fresh off the heels of our successful Toronto Lift Expo this past May, we chose to hold our second signature expo in Vancouver because of the heavily rooted cannabis culture in this community," stated CEO and Founder of Lift, Tyler Sookochoff. "The entire world is watching with bated breath to see how cannabis legalization will take place in this country, and Vancouver is the epicentre for Canada's vibrant cannabis community."

Featuring exhibitors from across Canada, the US, and Europe, patients and the general public will have the chance to interact with healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and the world's leading cannabis companies.